Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania, Inc.

Monthly Business Meeting

Saint Paul Episcopal Church, Columbia, PA

Sunday, April 2, 2023 at 2:00 pm

Bob Kuether, President called the meeting to order at 2:00 pm, welcomed everyone and led the Pledge of Allegiance. No new members or guests were present.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Bob Kuether reminded everyone the March Meeting Minutes are available for review at the back table; he will ask for approval later in the meeting.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Judy Kuether reported there was 1 new member in March, giving a total of 373 members paid for 2022-2023.

MEMBERS’ BRIDGE REPORTS:

Joe McCarthy – Joe reported Leaman Place and Forry’s Mill Bridges in Lancaster County were hit by vehicles causing damage to the portal and rafters. Joe’s hoping to get the contract to repair both bridges.

OFFICERS’ REPORTS:

President Bob Kuether – Bob thanked everyone for their concerns during his recovery and reported he has had great improvement.

First Vice-President Jim Smedley – No report.

Second Vice-President Ray Finkelstein – Not present, no report.

Third Vice-President Frank Mailey – Frank and Pam saw Martin’s Mill and Witherspoon Covered Bridges in Franklin County and visited Sachs Bridge on the way home. They also saw Forry’s Mill Bridge after it was hit by a vehicle and Siegrist’s Mill Bridge nearby, which Frank reported is in fair condition.

Fourth Vice-President Tony Abramo – No report.

Recording Secretary Pam Mailey – Pam added to Frank Mailey’s report that Siegrist’s Mill needs one portal painted and we could apply No-Char to the interior. She also shared her eerie feeling when they were at Sachs Bridge and she was the only one out and walking the bridge at dusk.

Corresponding Secretary Pam Heisey – No report.

Treasurer Judy Kuether – No report.

Historian Fred Moll – Not present, no report.

NEWSLETTER EDITORS: Jim Smedley reported the deadline to submit information for the Summer Edition of PA Crossings Newsletter is Sunday, May 28^th.

ILLNESS/DEATH OF MEMBERS:

(1) Tom Walczak and his Dad continue with medical issues.

(2) Gloria Wolfhope had a bad fall and injured her ankle.

OLD BUSINESS:

(1) Judy Kuether confirmed that Yoder’s Family Restaurant & Buffet will be open for our Anniversary Dinner (Breakfast/Lunch Buffet) on Sunday, May 7^th. See Judy to register and pay.

(2) Jim Smedley updated the members on the status of the 2024 Calendars. There were 154 photos submitted from 22 members. The Calendars are expected to be available at the May Anniversary Dinner.

(3) Tony Abramo provided an update for the one-day Mini-Safari on Saturday, May 20^th. Total drive time is expected to be 6 hours including time for lunch at an area restaurant.

(4) Judy noted that “See Pennsylvania Covered Bridges Week” is May 13-21, 2023. She received the Proclamation from Governor Shapiro. Many PA Welcome Centers have contacted her and are looking forward to receiving our displays.

(5) Gloria Smedley is seeking volunteers to share a collection/hobby as a short Show & Tell at meetings.

(6) Jim Smedley provided an update on the September Safari to Vermont. There are currently 87 people attending, with members from the National Society and TBCBSP. Bill Caswell will be sending an email to those registered to sign-up to tour the bridges by van, if interested.

NEW BUSINESS:

(1) Bob Kuether noted there is $29,000 in the restoration fund to paint bridges and is hoping we can paint 2 bridges this year. Bob spoke with the painter, but he is not available until after June. Bridges under consideration are: Schenk’s Mill, Greisemer’s Mill, Meiserville, Sachs and Jack’s Mountain. Bob should have prices by next meeting and will then call County/Commissioners for permission to proceed.

(2) Judy Kuether reported our Sales Tax Exemption Status has expired; she received an extension to re-apply by May 31^st. Part of the paperwork is to submit the Society’s activities for the past 3 years including events, festivals, presentations, Welcome Center Displays, etc. Please provide Judy with specific presentations that you have given, including date, title and county.

(3) On April 19^th, Pam Mailey will present on PA’s Covered Bridges at the Mechanicsburg Church of the Brethren’s Lunch & Learn Meeting.

COVERED BRIDGE ITEMS:

(1) Tony Abramo shared a book titled “The Conestoga River, a History” which included covered bridges.

(2) Judy Kuether showed a reversible bag that she made, using covered bridge fabric.

(3) Greg Williams shared that he saw some new covered bridge magnets at Shady Maple Smorgasbord.

(4) Pam Mailey showed 3 hand-made covered bridge greeting cards that she bought at an antique store.

NEXT MEETING: Our next meeting is May 7^th at Yoder’s Restaurant & Buffet in New Holland.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The March 2023 minutes were approved as presented.

PROGRAM TODAY: “Pennsylvania’s Covered Bridges” by Pam Mailey.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 3:50 pm.

Respectfully Submitted by Pam Mailey, Recording Secretary, April 24, 2023